Obituary of Elbert Martin

Elbert Martin GASTON: Service for Elbert Martin, 79, will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, January 22, 2012, in the Chapel of Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, officiated by Rev. Kenneth Chavis. Interment will follow at Celestial Memorial Gardens. Honorary Pallbearers will be the S.C. State Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday evening in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Taylor Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 4602, West Columbia, SC 29171. Mr. Martin died Thursday, January 19, 2012. Born in Horry County, SC, he was a son of the late Herman Benjamin Martin and Retha Bell Fipps Martin. He served thirty-four years in law enforcement; and was retired from Pine Ridge Police Department as Police Chief. Mr. Martin started his law enforcement career at the West Columbia Police Department, he worked for Springdale Police Department and was a Victim Witness Specialist with the 11th Circuit Solicitor's Office. He served seventeen years as State President of the American Federation of Police. Mr. Martin enlisted in the State Guard on August 13, 1984 and was assigned to B Company 1st Battalion 1st Brigade, he retired from the State Guard as a Brigadier General. His awards include the S.C. Meritorious Service Medal, and the South Carolina State Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Medal of Merit, Commendation Medal, Individual Achievement Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Longevity Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Golden Anniversary Ribbon, Federal Service School Ribbon, Service Ribbon with two Silver and One Bronze Star, Emergency Service Training Ribbon, Volunteer Service Ribbon with three Gold Oak Leaf Clusters, Military Readiness Ribbon (4th Award), Recruiting Achievement Ribbon, Military Proficiency Ribbon with Crossed Pistols, Bronze, Silver and Gold Torches, Governor's Unit Citation, and the Outstanding Unit Citation. Surviving are his sisters, Eunice Soles of Gaston and Edith Gerald of West Columbia; and a brother, Paul Martin of S. Congaree. He was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Hardee and a brother, Earl Martin. Family and friends may sign online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com